Seychelles Indian Ocean Island Paradise

OVerview of Mahe Island Seychelles

Jan 6, 2010 Karin Panaino Petersen

Mahe is the largest island in the Seychelles group and offers less sedentary visitors superb beaches, good food and a memory-making trip to these Indian ocean islands.

The Seychelles Islands

When it comes to the Seychelles islands, there really is no other adequate description except the word Paradise in its truest sense. For a tropical island experience that is uncommercialised, some of the finest snorkeling and scuba diving in the world and a beauty that literally takes the breath away at every turn, then look no further than the Seychelles islands, off the East Coast of Africa.

Of the some 120 islands which make up this African country, the largest is Mahé Island which hosts the capital city of Victoria and boasts the most tourism opportunities. Travellers to the Seychelles who aren’t looking for total privacy and isolation but prefer a more active holiday, will be well advised to stay on either Mahé or Praslin islands.

Getting Around

Self drive is the best option once the traveller has landed on the Seychelles islands. Buses are plentiful, cheap and regular but they are crowded and hot and unless one has a clear understanding of the routes it is quite possible to be stranded at the wrong end of the island.

Most popular amongst tourists are the small Suzuki SUV’s and open air beach buggy type cars: the speed limit on most of the island is 60kph and the circumference of Mahé can easily be travelled within four or five hours at this speed. With true island attitude, there is a laissez faire approach taken by most drivers, so take your time, go slow and enjoy the ride through some of the most spectacular tropical scenery to be encountered on an Indian Ocean island.

Shopping

For shopping, the small village of Victoria – the capital of the Seychelles – is the MOST adequate option. A couple of small supermarkets will be found here but be warned that whilst perfectly adequate to most needs there is no guarantee of finding all forms of produce all the time. Seychelles has very little local industry apart from tourism and fishing, so most supplies are imported. If the supplies don’t arrive, the shopper learns to do without chocolate, condoms or ice cream!

Be warned that traffic police on are on constant alert in this area and will impose fines. Parking in most areas requires the purchase of a parking billet for a pre-specified amount of time, which must then be affixed to the parked vehicle window. These can be purchased just about everywhere – ask the locals to point out the closest vendor.

Souvenir shopping is limited and sadly, a lot of what is available, has been brought in from China and Bali.

Activities

Must stop areas on a Mahé island tour include the Creole cultural centre, the art galleries around the main parking area in Victoria, the fresh produce market, the Spice plantation and the site of the old mission on top of the highest hill on the island. The botanic gardens will enthrall gardening enthusiasts. On the main road to the airport lies the entrance to Eden island - an artificial island with the most modern accommodation development in the country. It's worth a visit just to stroll around the moorings where the super rich dock their megayachts.

Beaches

Beau Vallon beach on the North West side of Mahe island, ranks amongst the best in the world. Although most beaches are accessible for swimming, many are on shallow reefs, Beau Vallon is a kilometre of white sand and deep, clear water. Another beautiful, quiet beach can be found on the Southern side of Mahe, beside the Banyan Tree resort.

Other Activities

Other than that, the best thing to do is to hop into a car with no real schedule in mind: do as the Seychellois do and take things as they come. Nothing is far from anywhere, there is a beach around every corner and little eateries are dotted all around. Most resorts offer water sports including scuba, kayaking and parasailing and there is no shortage of tourist information areas where travellers to the Seychelles can find hiking routes and tours.

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Eden island - playground of the millionairesK	Central shopping district VIctoria, Seychelles	Beau Vallon beach Mahe island Seychelles
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